In New York, the man accused of killing the CEO of UnitedHealthcare outside a hotel may not have another court appearance in Manhattan federal court until mid-February. Prosecutors and defense lawyers have requested more time to prepare for the trial.
The lawyers agreed in a letter to the court that the deadline to bring an indictment against Luigi Mangione can be extended from Jan. 18 to Feb. 17.
Mangione, 26, is now charged in a criminal complaint, a document that is lodged against individuals prior to the return of an indictment.
Both parties have agreed that additional time is needed to adequately prepare for pretrial proceedings and the trial. Prosecutors stated that this extension is necessary for sufficient preparation.
Lawyers for Mangione and federal prosecutors declined to comment.
This case is unique because one of the charges involved carries the potential for the death penalty. The decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made by the Justice Department in Washington, a process that may be influenced by the upcoming change in administration as Donald Trump becomes President.
Authorities say Mangione fatally shot Brian Thompson on Dec. 4 as he was walking to an investor conference in midtown Manhattan.
The killing shocked the business community and galvanized some health insurance critics. Mangione posted frequently online about his struggles with back pain, though he was never a UnitedHealthcare client.
Federal charges against Mangione include murder and firearms counts. He made an initial appearance on the charges late last month. He won’t be required to enter a plea until an indictment is returned.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty in a New York state court to multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first. His next appearance in state court is scheduled for Feb. 21.
The maximum sentence for the state charges is life in prison without parole.
Mangione was arrested Dec. 9 in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s following a five-day search. He’s being held in a Brooklyn federal jail alongside several other high-profile defendants, including Sean “Diddy” Combs and cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried.
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